Chief of Susi Air, Susi Pudjiastuti was furious with the kidnapping of one of her pilot, Philips Mehrtens, by the armed criminal group, while this case has been going on for too long, Monday (5/15).
Susi Pudjiasti let the whole world knows that she was furious with the kidnappings of one of her pilot when talked with Pastor Karel Phil Erari through phone. Their conversation was recorded by Phil with the consent of Susi.
“What did I do wrong Phil? You can try to find out my crime in Papua,” says Susi during her call.
“It’s true I work in Papua. But I too help a lot of people there,” she says further.
On their conversation, Phil stated that it is true that Susi have helped a lot of people sincerely. She then says in a day, her fleet could flown 70 to 90 planes to mountainous area in Papua.
“I could help wherever it is. I treat the wounds of Papuan children, I send them to school. Now, why my plane was burned? My pilot was kidnapped? What? What did I do wrong to make them do this to me,” said Susi.
She then says that she was happy, initially, when the rebels said that they agreed with a negotiation. But unfortunately, two days later, two security officers were shot dead by the rebels.
“What is that? They say they want to negotiate but instead they killed our future generations. I was so furious,” told Susi.
Susi described that those two soldiers are those who were about to evacuate her pilot.
“They are not combat troops. But they still get shot, I am so mad. What about their wives and children that they shot? Does that even cross Egianus and her compatriot’s mind?” Susi said further.
Susi then could not hold her tears as the conversation keeps going.
“I am talking to you, I cried because I’m so angry. This is not fair, they are not being fair to me. I am a lone woman who works for thousands of people. I’m so mad, Phil,” says Susi with her voice trembling.
Responding to her heartfelt feelings, Phil says that he cried along with Susi.
“I too cry with you. Good health and God bless you Susi,” says Phil.
The case of Philip Mehrtens kidnapping indeed has been going on for too long. The rebels, led by Egianus Kogoya, kidnapped the pilot and burned the plane on February 7th. In an effort to free the pilot, many soldiers have fallen.
Initially the rebels have agreed with a negotiation, but instead they ambushed the soldiers and killed them.